Which Thru-Hiking Trail is Best for You? Take this Quiz to Find Out

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Thru-hiking a long trail is a dream for many backpackers, and for most, choice of trail comes down to what we hiking fanatics refer to as the “big three”: the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail. These paths, each of which stretch from north to south across the entire continental US, make up the Triple Crown of thru-hiking, a bucket list trifecta that some enthusiasts will spend decades chasing.

Each of these trails has a character all its own, making for three unique thru-hiking experiences. Deciding which is right for you takes careful consideration. Don’t know where to begin? Take our quiz to find out which long trail is right for you.

When it comes to sharing the trail with other hikers, which best describes your perspective?

1. I love making friends on trail. Party at my campsite!
2. Hiking with a buddy or two makes long miles more enjoyable.
3. Leave me alone, I’m trying to commune with nature here.
4. I’m not really sure.

My ideal day of hiking includes:

1. Getting my heart rate up through sun-dappled forest.
2. A dip in an alpine lake.
3. Rambles over high mountain passes.
4. Doesn’t matter to me, as long as I see some cool nature.

My navigation skills can be described as…

1. I get lost on my way to the grocery store.
2. Pretty good, as long as I have my mapping app and GPS watch.
3. I can find my way home with my eyes closed.
4. A work in progress.

My favorite trails feature:

1. Technical terrain and steep climbs—bring it on!
2. Smooth tread for movin’ fast.
3. Climbs to cool overlooks, and lots of route options.
4. I don’t have a favorite trail.

My organization style on trail is best described as….

1. Go with the flow. I’ll figure out resupplies, camping, and water along the way.
2. I like to plan ahead, but stay flexible.
3. Heavily spreadsheeted. My food bag, kit, and itinerary are dialed from the outset.
4. Organization?

The following best describes my backpacking experience:

1. I have a few overnights under my belt.
2. My pack has seen some major miles.
3. I’d consider myself an expert distance backpacker.
4. I have more experience dayhiking than backpacking.

On my thru-hike, I’d like to:

1. Shower in town as much as possible.
2. Enjoy the occasional hot meal and bed, but spend most of my time on the trail.
3. Get as far from civilization as possible—and stay there.
4. Do anything to get a break from my daily routine; I’m not too picky.

I really hope to finish my thru-hike with…

1. New friends and strong legs.
2. An appreciation for America’s wildly diverse landscapes.
3. A sense of self-sufficiency and accomplishment.
4. Improved hiking skills and memories.

Results

Time to tally up your score. If you answered:

Mostly 1s: Appalachian Trail

Ever since Earl Shaffer became the first person to walk its length in one go in 1948, the AT has  been considered the classic American thru-hike. You’ll get your hiker legs under you quickly: The AT is known for relentless climbs and descents (lovingly referred to as PUDs, or “pointless ups and downs” by thru-hikers), uneven footing over rocks and roots, and a tight-knit community of hikers. The AT is well-blazed, making navigation simple. Forest-lovers will delight in the “green tunnel,” but hikers who crave wide-open vistas may feel some claustrophobia after a 2,100 miles. Over 14 states, the AT crosses through many towns and communities, offering more resupply stops, town meals, and off-trail lodging options than any other Triple Crown trail. For this reason, it makes for a good beginner thru-hike, or a solid option for those who don’t want to do long food carries between town stops. The access to civilization may be a reassurance for hikers who like to keep things flexible, and who crave a social experience.

Mostly 2s: Pacific Crest Trail

Featuring varied and stunning landscapes along the western US, the PCT attracts hikers looking for a certain grandeur. While it’s common for thru-hikers to fall in with a “tramily” (trail-family, or a group that often hikes and camps together), the PCT tends to be less crowded than the AT, offering more solitude. The trail itself often has a smooth surface, making for a cruiser walk compared to the rocky, rough-hewn AT, but it features plenty of mountain passes, desert walking, and flower-filled meadows to keep things interesting. The PCT crosses through or near to plenty of towns for resupplies, but in general feels more remote than the AT. The upshot: Get ready for longer food carries, and fewer options to satisfy your cravings for a hot meal. With a balanced mix of desert hiking, alpine walking, and some forest reprieve, the PCT’s diverse scenery is a major draw. PCT hikers should stay flexible, as they’re likely to encounter reroutes and trail closures during the height of wildfire season.

Mostly 3s: Continental Divide Trail

The most remote of the Triple Crown trails, the CDT is best for hikers who already have some long trail experience under their belts. If you’re looking for a navigational challenge, this is the trail for you: The CDT is often poorly marked, and it features many alternate routes, so you can choose your own adventure as you traverse the Rockies. When it comes to community, the CDT stands in stark contrast to its easterly neighbor. You’re unlikely to fall in with many other thru-hikers, and town stops are rarer than on the other long trails. You’ll need to do more advanced planning when it comes to food, water, and supplies, as the long stretches between amenities can be unforgiving. Few hikers tackle the CDT as their first thru-hike, opting to hone their skills on another trail first. If you’re up for the challenge, this adventure will give you a whole new perspective on some of the most scenic rangeland, high desert, and mountain ranges the country has to offer.

Mostly 4s: Look beyond the Triple Crown

There are plenty of thru-hikes out there other than the Big Three, and many require less commitment. You may not have five months to spend on the trail, or you’re not sure if a really long hike is right for you. Check out a shorter thru-hike, like the John Muir Trail, the Colorado Trail, the Long Trail, or the Florida Trail, which you can accomplish in a matter of weeks. You’ll still have a big adventure that helps you dial in your skills and preferences. If you’re still itching for more mileage afterward, you can always tackle a Triple Crown trail next. Besides, once you’ve gotten one longer trip under your belt, you’ll have a better sense of which Triple Crown trail is right for you.